Peace

As I look at the sun

I think about wars been won.

Lots of blood has been spilled 

and people felt guilt

to help the war just be done.

Cuz nobody wants the killing.

The taxpayers don't want the billing.

If we all made peace,

the fighting would cease

and the farmers could get back to tilling.

By Isaac Gunn - age 13

Outside

I have resolved to get outside every morning (instead of waiting until the afternoon) unless it is raining too much (like this morning, except it is snow instead of rain) - and it has been great for my mood and body.

Planting with Abraham

Walking to the end of the driveway with Sarah to put more flowers at her little stand

All worth the extra effort even with Emmy.  She does so well sitting for awhile in her stroller and observing all we are doing.  And even if she does get fussy soon after, even 10 minutes of fresh air does wonders for all of us.

Making Bug Spray with a Crocheted Cozy

This is my first time making bug spray so I am just sharing what I am doing but welcome any suggestions.

I followed the basic recipe from Soulemama's book - The Rhythm of Family and just changed it a bit.

All but the witch hazel, which can be found at your local grocery store or pharmacy, I purchased at Mountain Rose Herbs.

Using a 4 oz glass jar with a spray pump top -

add 3 1/2 - 3 3/4 oz witch hazel 

1 teaspoon lemongrass oil

1 teaspoon eucalyptus oil

1 teaspoon citronella oil

Then, because the bottle is glass, I used some wool to crochet a cozy and added a little felt embroidered label - 

and then added a birch button with a loop for easier carrying.

Do you have a favorite bug spray recipe?

warm wishes,

Tonya

Finished

Emmy's sweater is done!  Many mistakes but so much learned.

I have also finally finished Into the Wilderness and am excited to be reading something very different - 

A Knitter's Home Companion.

So this week I am looking forward to joining in with Ginny's Knit Along to perhaps come across an idea for my next knitting project.

Warm wishes,

Tonya

Making

With the last few days being rainy and raw, I have been busy making - crocheting water bottle covers, knitting gnomes and dolls and mixing up laundry detergent and bugs spray.

What have you been making lately?

Warm wishes,

Tonya

The Last Few Days

I sewed Emmy a bonnet, the pattern from The Children's Year.  But, I did not do something quite right - not sure how to attach the brim properly.  If you want to see a bonnet that came out really well with the same pattern, visit Melanie's beautiful blog.  I am going to try again or perhaps look for another pattern.

The barn is in the process of getting a spring cleaning.

The marsh marigolds are blooming along the pond.

Firewood collecting has begun.

Frog collecting season has arrived on our little pond.

We traveled down to Woodstock, Vermont (my favorite little town to visit) to meet my father to pick up Thomas who had been away for 10 days.  He and his Poppa went to the 100th anniversary game of Fenway Park, Thomas played at an open mike night in Framingham,  was able to visit with some extended family, work a little for my father, and enjoy the fast paced life for a time.  We are happy to have him home again though. 

Warm wishes,

Tonya

Birds

Birds are well loved in our home.

to play with

and to draw - Sarah has asked me to add her new robin bookmarks to our shop along with her chicken note cards.

The goats are doing better!  As this was our first time dealing with this, it was really scary but I am so thankful to all who contacted me with helpful advice.  Also, if anyone wants to learn more about goats, a woman named Tonia has a blog where she shares so much information.  She even emailed me right back when I asked her about our goats.  In many ways, this online world truly is a blessing.  I was also thankful that my neighbor came over after I left a message with her and also assured me that it had happened to her goats and sheep before.

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Tonya